PhD student, Dr Victor Mukonka has been awared Best Overall Oral Presentation at the Irish Congress of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Perinatal Medicine, for his study aimed at reducing the high maternal mortality rate in his native land, Zambia.

Prof Ronan O’Connell and fellow editors launch the 6th edition of Operative Surgery of the Colon Rectum and Anus at the annual meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Long regarded as the definitive operative textbook in colorectal surgery, the 6th edition is a comprehensive atlas of contemporary operative practice that covers all aspects of operative technique.

At the meeting Prof O’Connell will receive an Honorary Fellowship of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Prof O’Connell also recently received an Honorary Fellowship of the American Surgical Association.

The Universitas 21 Health Sciences Group are now launching the U21 Health Sciences Teaching Excellence Awards. These awards are designed to offer health science based junior faculty (between 3 and 8 years teaching experience) an opportunity to develop international collaborations and to provide an evidence based for their career progression. Details of the UCD Health Sciences nomination process are attached. Applications and informal queries are welcomed.

The 27th European Renal Cell Study Group was held earlier this year in Carlingford hosted by staff from UCD School of Medicine, UCD School of Biomedical & Biomolecular Science and the Conway Institute. The group welcomed delegates from ten European countries and the US to the meeting which was focused on kidney function and novel therapies to treat renal disease.

UCD Diagnostic Imaging had a strong presence again at this years’ European Congress of Radioloconference taking the Best Scientific Paper Presentation (Radiographers) for the fourth year in a row. The group were also recognised by the European Federation of Radiographer Societies for the most scientific presentations at one of Europe's largest medical conferences.

UCD Medicine has secured two major research funding awards with the Health Research Board announcement of a €10 million investment in four new clinical trial networks in the areas of stroke, perinatal health, primary care and critical care medicine.

Dr Eamonn Ralph, who died on May 6, 2015 was a regular contributor to seminars on the importance of caring in medical practice which are part of the professional development program for final year medical students at UCD. We pay tribute to his contributions as a doctor, teacher and friend with the words of a GP colleague from a neighbouring Co. Clare village.

The Irish Society for Rheumatology has announced the inaugural Bernard Connor Medal for Rheumatology competition for undergraduate medical students. In addition to the medal, the winner will receive sponsored attendance at, and mentoring from Dr Suzanne Donnelly during, the ISR Annual Scientific Meeting 2015. Closing Date: 3rd July 2015

Ambrose Bermingham (1864-1905) was appointed Dean and Professor of Anatomy at the Catholic University of Ireland Medical School (UCD) at the age of just 23 (1887-1905). Ambrose showed great aptitude and ability at such a young age, in keeping with this tradition the Ambrose Bermingham Medal was founded by the college and has been awarded to medical students since 1916. Applications are now being accepted for the Ambrose Bermingham Medal. Closing date:Wednesday 17th, June 2015